Shaping improvements for Inferior Vena Cava filter and retrieval systems

Abstract

Funnel-trap type devices are described that are made of shape-set (e.g., heatset) braid for delivery and/or retrieval of Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters or other medical devices. Delivery and/or retrieval devices, kits in which they are included, methods of use and methods of manufacture are all contemplated. Additional forming tooling, methods and device embodiment shapes are described herein.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for delivery or retrieval of a vascular medical device, the apparatus comprising:
 an elongate sleeve; 
 an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis and received within the sleeve, the shaft having a flexible distal extension folded back at a first fold to form two layers, the two layers folded back inwardly at a second fold such that the first fold is a proximal opening of a funnel and the second fold is a distal opening of the funnel; 
 wherein the distal opening is configured to have a saddle shape cross section and to be set at an acute angle relative to the axis of the shaft upon deployment; and 
 wherein the proximal opening is sized to receive and pass an end portion of the medical device to situate and secure the end portion of the medical device within the flexible distal extension when the sleeve is advanced over the distal extension. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the distal extension comprises heatset Nitinol braid with between 72 and 288 end count. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the shaft includes the Nitinol braid. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve is a catheter. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the distal extension has an exterior conical shape. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the acute angle is between about 45 and about 60 degrees. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the distal opening is configured to close and trap the end portion of the medical device within the distal extension when the sleeve is advanced over the distal extension. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the proximal opening is configured to close and trap the end portion of the medical device within the distal extension when the sleeve is advanced over the distal extension. 
     
     
       9. An inferior vena cava filter system, comprising:
 an inferior vena cava filter having an enlarged end; 
 a retrieval apparatus comprising an elongate sleeve and an elongate shaft having a 
 longitudinal axis, the elongate shaft being received within the sleeve, the shaft having a flexible distal extension folded back at a first fold to form two layers, the two layers folded back inwardly at a second fold such that the first fold is a proximal opening of a funnel and the second fold is a distal opening of the funnel; and 
 wherein the distal opening is configured to have a saddle shape cross section and to be set at an acute angle relative to the axis of the shaft upon deployment, wherein the proximal opening is sized to receive and pass the enlarged end of the filter therethrough and secure the end of the filter within the distal extension when the sleeve is advanced over the distal extension. 
 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 9 , wherein the enlarged end is selected from a group consisting of a band and a hook.